How is it spending 24 hours in A&E? Ask our students

A number of Allied Health Sciences, current Level 5 BSc Diagnostic Radiography students have featured in the recent channel 4 series 24 hours in A&E.

This documentary programme shows viewers what it is like in A&E at King's College Hospital, which is where a number of LSBU students complete their practice learning placements.

Students in the programme have been shown to be providing and assisting in imaging for many of the patients. This included Natasha Kirby who on the day of filming was on mobiles for trauma & resuscitation with a qualified radiographer. Natasha performed an x-ray on a patient who had recently had a thoracotomy under the supervision and guidance of the qualified member of staff. Natasha said: "The radiographer with me was very supportive and gave me great directions and advice on how to prepare and take the radiograph in that situation. Like checking the bed had a functional x-ray plate underneath to place the image receptor on for example."

The programme also features many ex-LSBU students who are now qualified and working at King's, and many of our Level 4 and Level 6 BSC Diagnostic Radiography students are due to be in future episodes.

Katie Pyne, Lecturer Practitioner Diagnostic Imaging at KCH and LSBU said: "Imaging is a key part of the diagnostic and treatment pathway for most of the patients visiting the Emergency Department. As KCH is one of LSBU's larger placement sites for Student Radiographers it has been good to see the inclusion of the Diagnostic Imaging team & equipment within this programme."

The programme has also served as a useful discussion point in lectures regarding the patient pathway and treatment, and at the same time offers an insight into the patient experience.

The range of patients we treat here at King's - particularly given our status as a specialist trauma and stroke centre for London - makes it a unique environment for trainee radiographers to cut their teeth and acquire new skills. 24 Hours in A&E enables us to show viewers how we care for patients with life threatening injuries, and the skills staff across different specialities need to provide a first rate service.